Scribble Butterfly Necklace for Auction

Living next door to Niagara-on-the-Lake, I've become quite enamoured with the drive along the water to this beautiful community of vineyards, artists, and kind-hearted creative souls.

Recently, I decided to participate in an event supporting the preservation of a special piece of land in Niagara-on-the-Lake, known as "The Wilderness." Growing up in the Golden Horseshoe, with the escarpment as our playground, enjoying the forest was a right of passage for all my friends. Spending countless hours creating forts, swinging on vines and crossing the streams on downed logs was just part of the natural world that defined me. I didn't know until I was older that what I experienced was quite rare. The Carolinian forests of Southern Ontario are considered a UNESCO Biosphere with a staggering 90% loss due to urban expansion. The northern most deciduous forest extends from the Carolinas up into Canada into the region I grew up in and currently live. Walking the forest trails is one of the best parts of being back home and sharing this with my partner has been a dream. One time on the trails, we were bedazzled by tons of brown butterlies flickering and making their way along the path as we foraged delicious wild black raspberries, all the while taking in the canopy of trees shading us from the summer sun. It felt as magical as when I was a kid. So when the opportunity came up for me to use my creativity to support something that is so meaningful to me, and important to save for the next generation, I jumped at the chance.

Recently, The Niagara Foundation has been able to aquire full protection of this 5 acre lot, which is one of the last remaining natural parcels of forested land in the town. There have been many donations, however to shore up more funds for providing protection to this land, over 40 local artists are participating in a regional auction organized by NOTL artist, Alison Fardoe. The public is invited to attend the official opening of The Wilderness, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. The silent auction takes place the same time, however, if you are not able to attend, you can bid by phone (instructions below). Minimum bid $100. You can see the all the incredible artwork to bid on here: https://theniagarafoundation.com/the-butterfly-effect/

Since the theme was butterflies, and I do draw these, I rummaged through old journals and discovered a scribbly butterfly sketch that immediately captured my imagination. From there, the piece began to take shape. The metal utilized in the piece is from recycled or reclaimed sources. At its centre is a rose-cut blue-green tourmaline that intimidated me for quite some time. I decided it deserved a 14k gold setting. A bold choice! I paired it with a small sapphire cabochon, plus iolite and glass beads, then spent some time at the kiln layering blue and green enamel onto discs created from scrap copper, which connect the hand-fabricated chain. For a final touch, I added a little 24k keum-boo.

If you are interested in bidding on my Scribble Butterfly Necklace and can’t attend in person, consider placing an advance maximum bid from 8am to 12pm on June 9 ONLY by texting (416) 618-0344. In the text, include your name and the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for the piece. The Niagara Foundation will bid on your behalf only as needed, up to that amount. You may win for less than your maximum bid.